Places to Visit in Rishikesh in 2 Days

 Adventurers know Rishikesh as the land of river rafting as it is one of the most popular destinations for this activity anywhere in India. So if you are planning a trip to Rishikesh, make sure not to skip this adrenaline-pumping adventure of rafting through the blustery waters of River Ganga. As your raft glides along with the swift river, you will also have a chance to catch the undiluted charm of the Himalayan foothills.

Three different stretches of the river, ranging from 9 km to 26 km, are open for rafting. These stretches feature grade 3, grade 4, and grade 5 rapids, so whether you are seeking hardcore adventure or you are a beginner, rafting in Rishikesh is ideal for all. To give a boost to your adrenaline rush, the rafting experience also offers opportunities for cliff jumping and body surfing.

Highlights: Long stretches, various rapid grades, and beautiful scenery.

Timings: 7 am to 10 pm

Price: INR 600 per person

A highly popular tourist attraction in Rishikesh, Bungee Jumping is recommended for every adventure freak visiting the town. With a height of 83 metres, this makes for the highest bungee jumping platform in India. Stand on a platform built on a rocky cliff, soak up the majestic scenery of lush green forests and River Hall, muster the courage, and jump as your heart starts to thump loudly.

Whether or not you have tried bungee jumping before, this exhilarating jump is a fantastic way to challenge your fear of heights. To make the adventure all the more memorable, get the jump recorded and post it on your social media profile to inspire your followers to try it out as well.

Highlights: India’s highest bungee jumping, scenic location, and trained instructors

Timings: 9:30 am to 4 pm

Price: INR 3550 per person

The sweeping views of the Himalayan foothills and River Ganga that you get to witness during the flight make the experience all the more enjoyable. Making you glide across the rope at a maximum speed of 160 kmph, this zip line is believed to be one of the best in the country. Set yourself free by taking a giant leap over the Ganges, feeling wind gushing past you as you rush towards the end of the rope.

This nerve-wracking adventure promises to quench your thirst for a thrill with its daunting moments. Since the activity is organized by professionals and safety equipment is used, you may surrender all your senses to the action completely without having to bother about safety.

Highlights: 1 km long zipline, experienced guides and trainers.

Timings: 9 am to 2 pm

Price: INR 1542 per person.

When you are in Rishikesh, there can be no adventure more fascinating than hiking in the foothills of the Himalayas and camping on the bank of River Ganga. A perfect combination of thrilling and rejuvenating experiences, camping and hiking in Rishikesh is a matchless treat for anyone seeking a holistic healing over the weekend. River Ganga is the major attraction in Rishikesh, and camping on the white sand by its blue water stream is surely going to have a soothing effect on your senses.

To add some action and movement to the affair, Rishikesh gives you an opportunity to partake in river rafting and hiking. So if you are planning a quick getaway with your friends, nothing can beat the company of River Ganga and Shivaliks.

Highlights: Riverside camping, river rafting, hiking, and picturesque surroundings.

Price: INR 899 per person

Rajaji National Park is both a national park as well as a tiger reserve which ranks high amongst the Places to see in Haridwar. The park was created by the amalgamation of 3 sanctuaries- Rajaji, Motichur and Chilla. The park is located in the Shivalik range of Himalayas and spreads over 820kms. 

The park is famous for its 600 elephants, 250 leopards, and 11 tigers along with other animals, who have been kept in the natural forest environment. It has now become the second tiger reserve of Uttarakhand after Corbet.

Location -Ansari Road, Mohand Range, Dehradun

Timing- 6 am to 9 am &  3 pm to 6 pm. Visitors booking a full day safari can wait at the rest house inside the forest.

Best Time to Visit - Park remains open from 15th November to 15th June. Park is closed during the monsoon season.      

Entry Fee - Rs. 150 per head for 3 hours visit. Gypse rate for 3 hrs safari trip is Rs. 2100 and vehicle entry is Rs.250 per vehicle with Indians and Rs. 500 per vehicle with foreigners. The guide cost is Rs. 600 for general guide and Rs.1000-1500 for experience in wildlife.

History of Rajaji National Park

The Rajaji National Park initially started as three separate national parks in Uttarakhand. The pre-existing natural abundance of the area, along with its thriving community of wildlife, flora and fauna and its idyllic weather served as the perfect premise for the establishment of these national parks.

In 1964, a stretch of the Dehradun Forest spanning 90 square kilometres was declared as the Motichur wildlife sanctuary. The Rajaji Wildlife sanctuary had existed since 1948 and the Chilla sanctuary since 1977 in Shivalik and Lansdowne respectively.

In 1983, these three parks were combined to form the Rajaji National Park as it stands today, which covers an area of over 820 square kilometres. In April 2015, Rajaji National Park received the status of a tiger reserve, making it the second reserve for tigers in Uttarakhand.

It remains one of the most picturesque and well-maintained national parks in the country. The government decided to name the park after one of the most renowned freedom fighters of the country- C. Rajagopalachari, who was known as Rajaji.

After playing a pivotal role in fighting for India’s independence, he was also the last Governor-General of post-independence India. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his services to the nation.

 Established in 1966 on the banks of the Ganges in Rishikesh, India, Sadhana Mandir Trust was set up by Swami Rama as a global retreat community for earnest hopefuls to practice contemplation in a profoundly raising environment. Far from the hurrying around of Rishikesh, settled in the foothills of the Himalayas, Sadhana Mandir is situated on the banks of the blessed stream Ganges.

 Encompassed by delightful blossoming gardens, mango trees and a lotus lake, a peaceful and tranquil environment pervades the ashram making it perfect for sadhana. This one of the celebrated spot to learn yoga in rishikesh. 

 The Himalayan Tradition is no less than 5,000 years of age. It is connected to an unbroken ancestry of sages who kept this custom alive through oral direction and individual otherworldly start. Adi Shankara set up the plain request around 1,200 years prior however renunciates had as of now lived in an unbroken ancestry from the Vedic period.

If basking in the air of spirituality is one of the reasons why you are visiting Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti is an important entry on your checklist. It is a religious spot of Hindus located on the banks of River Ganga in the outskirts of Rishikesh. Muni Ki Reti is literally translated to ‘Sands of Sages’ and it is believed that King Bharat performed penance here. The area is replete with a number of Hindu temples, yoga centres, and ashrams.

For culture vultures looking forward to capturing the essence of Hinduism, this is definitely one of the best places to see in Rishikesh. Since it is a highly revered pilgrimage, hordes of devotees in addition to tourists can be seen participating in rituals, taking dips into the holy waters of River Ganga.

Location: 5.6 km from Rishikesh city centre

Timings: Always open

Entry Fee: Free entry